states and today new jersey governor chris christie called it devastating beyond anything he ever thought he'd say. we can all agree on this. there's a whole lot of work to do in the days ahead. >> reporter: point pleasant beach one of many seaside communities up and down the new jersey shore that saw extensive damages from hurricane sandy as it blasted ashore. hurricane avenue is now covered in sand and debris. this is just one of many communities now dealing with the aftermath of this powerful storm. >> the level of devastation at the jersey shore is unthinkable. >> reporter: new jersey governor chris christie is stunned by the extent of devastation in his state. the familiar atlantic city boardwalk is in shambles, entire neighborhoods washed over as search and rescue crews scoop up stranded residents by the boat load and crews working around the clock to clear out debris fields that are 7 feet high in some places. >> i anticipated last night given the nature of the winds and the rain we'd be pretty bad. i didn't expect it to be that bad. i didn't expect we would see homes off their fou